Family Makes Giving Back a Tradition

For some people, helping those in need runs in the family.

Barbara Johanson, Chris Ratcliffe and his daughter Karilyn serve on the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad.  Chris and Karilyn are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).

“There is something special to it, serving with your family members,” Johanson said. “We’re all very proud to serve.”

Johanson joined the squad in 1977 following a serious car accident she was involved in two years prior. She served as an EMT for many years. 

“I thought I had something to offer because I was in an accident myself and know what it was like,” Johanson said. “At first I wasn’t sure that I could do it but the training prepares you.”

Each technician must complete 230 hours of classroom work and 10 hours of field training to be named to the squad. Additional training is required to become certified to drive an ambulance.

Chris Ratcliffe, Johanson's son-in-law, joined the squad in January 2009 but was an EMT in the mid 1980s.

“It’s a major commitment but it’s a lot of fun. It doesn’t matter your background. You’re all part of a team,” Ratcliffe said. “That’s the point. You’re all coming together to help those in need.”

Johanson said that members spend a lot of time away from their families. Members must stop what they're doing and get to the scene of the emergency as quickly as possible. The squad’s headquarters is staffed 24 hours, seven days a week.

“Lots of dinners were missed. You could get one call after another,” Johanson said. “When a call comes in you don’t say ‘Oh I’m having dinner right now I can’t go.’ No, you just go.”

Ratcliffe’s 17-year-old daughter Karilyn was recently installed as a member. She became a cadet at 16. Karilyn will begin a five-year physican program at Wagner College in September.

“I’m glad I can carry on the tradition,” the younger Ratcliffe said. “I don’t think that I’m giving anything up by serving on the squad at all. I’d rather be here than anywhere else. I feel part of a bigger family.”

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